Foreign LGBTQ+ Fans Will Be Welcomed in Saudi Arabia
Fans traveling to Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup have been assured of a warm welcome, regardless of their background. However, they will need to respect the country’s culture and traditions. This means alcohol will not be available at the tournament.
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, confirmed that alcohol will not be sold near stadiums—or even in hotels.
Saudi Arabia was officially announced as the 2034 World Cup host last December, with no other countries competing for the bid.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the Muslim-majority nation. Last year, the country opened its first liquor store in over 70 years, but only for non-Muslim diplomats. For locals, the ban remains firmly in place.
Now, the ambassador has clarified that foreign visitors will also have to follow the rules during the World Cup.
“Right now, our position is that we will not allow alcohol. You can still have a great time without it. Drinking is not a necessity. If you want to drink after leaving, that’s your choice. But for now, we have decided not to permit it.”
When repeatedly asked about the alcohol ban, the ambassador jokingly added: “Like our climate, our country is a ‘dry’ one. But seriously… is drinking really that essential?”
The alcohol issue was also a major topic during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Initially, authorities had announced that alcohol would be available inside stadiums, but the decision was reversed just two days before the tournament began. In Qatar, fans could still buy alcohol in hotels and designated fan zones—but in Saudi Arabia, even that will not be an option.
Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud made it clear that Saudi Arabia will not change its culture for the World Cup.
“Every country has its own traditions. We welcome everyone within the framework of our culture, but we won’t change our way of life for others.”
However, one area where Saudi Arabia is willing to show flexibility is regarding LGBTQ+ visitors. Homosexuality is punishable by death in the country, but the ambassador assured that foreign LGBTQ+ fans will be safe and welcomed at the tournament.
“We welcome everyone to Saudi Arabia. This is not just a Saudi event—it’s a global one. So we will open our doors to all who wish to attend.”
